Taylor: I can judge myself against best in the world at UCI BMX Supercross

Great Britain’s Abbie Taylor is ready to test herself against the world’s best at the UCI BMX Supercross in Manchester.

The 20-year-old spent the majority of 2013 out of action with a back injury but will return to the world cup circuit on 18-19 April at the National BMX Centre.

Her last outing in the competition came at Great Britain’s training base in April 2013 when Taylor reached the semi-finals.

“I missed a lot last year because of injury but training has been fantastic. I’m really loving the track and it’s gone exactly how I wanted it to go,” Taylor said.

“Preparation has been good, my times have been improving. Hopefully I’ll have a lot of home support at the race. My friends and family and people from my BMX club will be coming so hopefully I can just put in a good performance.”

Taylor’s only appearance in a world cup final came in Abbotsford, Canada during the 2012 season when she won bronze behind Laura Smulders and Kirsten Dellar.

Given her recent injury setback, she has made a top eight finish in Manchester her target.

“A good performance would be to make the final, so top eight,” Taylor said.

“It’ll be good if I can make the final here. Although I’ve made the final somewhere else (Canada) not many people went. Hopefully the standard of competition will be higher here. I can judge myself against the best in the world.”

Australian world champion Caroline Buchanan heads up a strong women’s field but Taylor hopes her experience of the indoor track can help her on race day.

“The part of the track that suits me the best is probably…I like the start gate, the hill. I really like the first jump and the second straight.”

“I hope I’ve rode the track enough that I’m strong on all of it.”

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